The annual Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards are for Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, cadets and employees of the Reserve Forces and Cadet Organisations of the Armed Forces and are recognised as laudatory honours throughout the Ministry of Defence.

Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, The Viscount De L’Isle MBE, presented 19 Meritorious Service Certificates and 9 Cadet of the Year Awards. The Shepherd Neame Best Reservist Award was presented by Mr G Hilton, along with a trophy and a cheque for £100. The Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificates for Meritorious Service were instituted in order to afford public recognition to those members of the Reserve and Cadet Forces whose efforts are not recognised by the twice yearly Honours Lists. The Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate thus ranks second to The Queen’s Honours Lists.

The Cadet of the Year Award marks the achievement of outstanding service by an individual to their Cadet movement. A certificate is awarded, together with a Lord-Lieutenant’s Badge which the individual is entitled to wear when in uniform.

The best Reservist Award is awarded to the Reservist considered by the selection board to have achieved the most or to have made the greatest contribution to the Reserve Service in the County of Kent.

At the event, the Lord-Lieutenant The Viscount De L’Isle MBE said: “I urge you to understand, support and encourage volunteer service in both the Reserves and Cadets. None of this volunteer service is going to work without the support of families and friends. I take this opportunity to thank them for the sacrifices they make for such worthy causes.”